Assistant Grower

**Assistant Grower**

**Job Overview**:Under the direction of the Head grower organize and implement growing activities of the greenhouse.

**Reports To**:Head Grower

**Hours**: Monday to Friday, hours will vary depending on time of year but will normally be 45-50 hours/week.

We work in a team environment that supports, promotes and encourages every member of the team to grow to next level.

**Job Duties**:
**This position will give you the opportunity to grow into the following**:

- Effectively communicate with head grower and consultants about growing strategies and crop needs
- Maintain and assume certain responsibilities of the Head Grower in their absence
- Oversee the implementation of environmental/climate controls
- Oversee the implementation of irrigation controls and strategies.
- Assess and identify areas of concern with the crop and climate/irrigation control systems and implement control strategies.
- Monitor growing department computers and respond to alarms. Ensure that alarms are effectively and efficiently acted upon.
- Trouble shoot issues with control systems, irrigations systems, or any crop related systems
- Perform water quality checks daily in all growing areas.
- Routinely inspect crop to determine if climate and irrigation strategies are effective, or if there are issues that will need to be addressed
- Instruct the labour and quality departments on crop work needs, using the labour board in “teams” and send out harvest forecasts, communicate with the team on “whats app” group.
- Work with the IPM team on the implementation of bio/chemical controls. Basic understanding of Integrated Pest Management strategies, including beneficial insects, pesticides, and cultural control strategies would be beneficial but willing to train.
- Mix and dispense fertilizer
- Order materials such as fertilizer and other items needed for crop maintenance.
- Collect samples for the growing department on specified schedule, including regular water samples and occasional leaf samples. Ensure that samples are sent to the proper labs for analysis.
- Oversee the implementation of environmental monitoring as outlined by Ministry of Environment. This includes collection of samples, sending to approved lab for analysis, logging results, and communication with MOE. when necessary
- Complete and record pepper & tomato crop registrations weekly
- Maintain inventory of crop supplies, order supplies in preparation for new crop
- Prepare and maintain production and other growing related reports.
- Operate equipment including forklifts, elevated platform carts, no prior training required
- Train and supervise workers as needed for growing related matters
- Opportunity to take courses related to growing, further education by completing courses and/or attending relevant trade shows or other greenhouses
- On call rotation of night and weekends
- Other duties as assigned

**Skills and Qualifications**
- Communicate effectively in a team environment but also be able to work independently
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of growing control systems i.e. PRIVA is a but not necessary, willing to train
- Basic computer skills required
- Pesticide License required, willing to send for training if needed
- Experience in vegetable greenhouse growing an asset but willing to train

**Other**:

- Wage will depend on experience and knowledge. This position has potential to grow within the company
- Three weeks vacation per year
- Health Benefit plan after 3 months and option of a company RRSP plan after 6 months

**Salary**: $19.00-$25.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Extended health care
- RRSP match

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- On call

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Exeter, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)